However, the amount of change that occurred at Elmwood Park between the end of last season and the start of this season is staggering. Nine of last year’s 11 team members, including seven members of the Class of 2012, were not on the Opening Day roster. The two players who return are seniors Elliott Perez and Pat McNulty.

Despite the lack of varsity experience, all of the 2012-13 Tigers entered the season with at least one year in the system under their belts. Seven of this year’s 10 varsity members are juniors who saw playing time on the sophomore level.

“We all have some experience, so its nothing really new to us,’’ junior Presley Garrett said. “We just have to play together and it will all work out.’’

With many already having played with each other in the past, becoming familiar with each other on the court might not be too much of an issue. But the juniors are glad they do have some returning leadership to help them through their first varsity season.

“We’ve only got two seniors coming back this year but they’ve shown us how to do things at this level,’’ said junior Hassan Basbous. “We’ve all played before, but for there to be guys that can give us some advice is always good.’’

Once again the Tigers opened their season at the Francis Parker Tournament, which features other teams in Class 3A or lower. Basbous feels the team can pick up some pointers there.

“It’s good playing against some of these teams because we can learn from our mistakes during the game and work some stuff out,’’ said Basbous. “It’s especially good because we don’t have the most varsity experience so it can help out there.’’

Garrett also has similar feelings.

“We can only grow as a team by playing games like these,’’ he said. “I know that I, for one, can work on things you can’t do in practice. Game situations are a lot different than in practice. These plays count.’’

Elmwood Park hopes its new squad will bring more victories. The juniors believe that success is on the horizon.

The team opened the season by defeating CICS-Northtown 72-53 behind Garrett’s team-high 18 points. Elmwood Park struggled against UIC Prep before pulling out a 54-52 win. Elliott Perez, who was named tournament MVP, led the squad with 18 points. In the wrap-up to the tournament, the Tigers fell to host Parker, 71-63.

Link to story: http://bit.ly/XkQYxZ